JPIC Office Blog December 29, 2008 WHEATON—As the New Year is set to begin, all eyes are on the Obama Administration. Will it lead the way to environmental protections? How will it exercise compassion in maters related to poverty—affordable housing and health care? How will the needs of both Main Street and Wall Street be balanced during this time of economic downturn? How will diplomacy be used in Iraq and Afghanistan? How will there be comprehensive immigration reform? How will the Millennium Development Goals become a priority? How will there be a resolution to the Guantanamo Bay situation? The Wheaton Franciscan Provincial Council has signed a letter with other American Christian leaders and congregants of the Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Protestant traditions urging President-elect Obama to make Israeli-Palestinian peace an immediate priority of his Administration. The letter calls for the establishment of two states—Israel and Palestine. Those wishing to sign the letter can do so online by visiting the Web site of Christians for Middle East Peace at http://action.cmep.org/t/4030/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=173. The Office of the Wheaton Franciscan Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) invites social justice advocates to pray for God’s guidance for President-elect Obama. We also pray to know what is ours to do to support and work together to resolves these important areas of local and global development. As Pope Paul VI encouraged the faithful to work to support development as a way of building peace. BY ANN PIASECKI Stories in the January 2009 JPIC Blog: National
and international sentiments converge on notion of
cooperation
WHEATON—A story in the Dec. 24, 2008, edition of CathnewsUSA, served to shed light on the Vatican’s decision to cooperate with President-elect Barack Obama. U.S. Cardinal Pio Laghi, fomer Nuncio to the U.S., explained that while Obama’s positions on the family and the unborn are different from Roman Catholics, there is reason for hope in a presidency that fosters more attention to the poor and easing violence around the globe. Meanwhile, Catholic News Service (CNS) reports that Laghi expressed his sentiments at a Dec. 22, 2008, press conference. The cardinal said, “One must wait to see how he acts with regard to the fundamental commitments, which for us are very important, to protect the family and the sacredness of human life from conception to the tomb.” Another hopeful development as it concerns the Obama administration is the designation of Vice President-elect Joe Biden as the head of the U.S. task force on family. For more information, visit Cathnewsusa at http://www.cathnewsusa.com/.
WHEATON—The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA) was moved quickly. The bill was introduced to Congress on Dec. 10, 2008, and received the signature of President George Bush on Dec. 23, 2008. In less than two weeks, HR 7311, was moved to
authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 for the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. It enhances earlier
measures to combat trafficking in persons, and for other purposes.
The bill received bipartisan support.
WHEATON—Supporters of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) are working to draw the attention of the Obama Administration to the issue of torture of prisoners, whether they have been determined to be guilty or they are suspects in a pending investigation. The organization has designated the month of January 2009 as a time to pray for an end to U.S.-sponsored torture. Social justice advocates point out that torture is a moral issue. For more information on the campaign, visit the NRCAT Web site at http://www.nrcat.org/.
For information on the “What’s on Your Heart?” campaign, visit the Jubilee USA Web site at: http://www.jubileeusa.org/heartcampaign.The site offers detail about the promotion process. It relies on a Valentine’s Day theme and calls for homemade heart-shaped cards adorned with messages promoting any one of the six key points presently highlighted by Jubilee USA. Campaigners suggest that each card be signed and include the sender’s address, phone number and e-mail address. They should be mailed to Jubilee USA Network, 212 E. Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC 20003. Advocates can also send a supportive online message.
The plan, which initially is aimed at restaurants and large-scale facilities with cafeterias or industrial-sized kitchens, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools and government buildings, calls for mass collection of food waste for the purpose of high-tech composting. The byproduct would be sold and used as fertilizer among other things, she said in a Dec. 22, 2008, interview with the JPIC. Naturally, her biggest obstacle is straining the pot of misguided ideas about the viability and cleanliness of composting. For one thing, composting is not what it used to be, she said. An image of rodent-attracting, open piles of garbage left to rot in the sun under a blanket of leaves is not only off putting but it’s inaccurate too, according to McKeen. Today’s composts have gone relatively high-tech. Some are manufactured, enclosed tumblers and others can be made of chicken wire. The main ingredient in all types is regular mixing or turning and a little water to ensure success. However, she pointed out that a professor at Illinois State University in Bloomington has perfected the science of mass composting. Her proposed legislation is based on that model. McKeen is presently seeking a redefinition of “garbage” in Illinois, a measure that would shift the disposal of food waste toward composting. Sen. Heather Steans, Chicago, is considering sponsorship of the composting proposal. For information about composting or other SCARCE projects, visit the Web site at http://www.bookrescue.org/default.asp.
BERWYN—Project Irene, is a program supported by women religious leaders in Illinois, including the Wheaton Franciscans; it is aimed at promoting legislation that supports vulnerable women and children. BVM Sister Rose Mary Meyer of Project Irene summed up action results on a list of 2008 proposed bills for which she advocated on behalf of. The Illinois General Assembly gathered recently for veto session. The following bills are among those passed by both the House and the Senate. Access to Religious
Ministry Autism Coverage Illinois Lead Poisoning Prevention
New Senate Leadership For more information on Project Irene, contact Sr. Rose Mary at 2319 Clarence St., Berwyn, IL 60402, call 708 484-0270 or send an e-mail to projectirene@aol.com.
WHEATON--During the month of January, Sr. Sheila will be participating in a three week long Franciscan Solidarity experience beginning Jan. 13, 2009. Fifty Franciscans from around the world are expected to participate in the World Social Forum, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, in Belem, Brazil. The focus is planned to center on opportunities to reflect on our spirituality of peace--our sharing experiences from participant countries and visiting local peace groups in Brazil. We will be sharing reports related to our efforts to reduce poverty and safeguard the environment. The Franciscan family expects to be active participants at the World Social Forum. Franciscan representatives intend to offer a session on environmental justice efforts. While in Brazil, Sr. Sheila said she has made preparations that enable her to e-mail pictures that pertain to the Franciscan Solidarity experience. Sr. Sheila’s participation is being sponsored by the Franciscan Action Network and the Holy Name Province.
As always thank you for reading our blog and for all that you do to make this world a better place. Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF
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